Ogun Inaugurates Truth Commission

In order to redress the wrongs of the past and ensure peaceful coexistence among the citizens of Ogun State at all times, the government of Ogun State has inaugurated a Truth Commission.

Known as the Ogun State Truth Commission, the 5-man panel is to investigate human rights abuses in the state between January, 2003 and 29th of May, 2011.

Speaking at the swearing in of members of the commission, the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, lamented the alleged maiming and killing of some citizens of the state reportedly on account of political differences, all of which violated the fundamental human rights guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Today’s event,” said the governor “is therefore symbolic because it is aimed at acknowledging the wrongdoings and ensuring justice for those who lost their lives or suffered injuries during this period. It is also to prevent a recurrence of such.”

This Commission is headed by Honourable Justice Pius Aderemi, retired Supreme Court Judge. Other members are: Honourable Justice Abdullahi Mustapha (retd.), Honourable Justice Dolapo Akinsanya (retd.), Barrister Bamidele Aturu, a human rights activist and Barrister Tunji Onabanwo, a nominee of the Ogun State branch of the Nigerian Bar Association.

The commission is expected to complete its assignment and submit its report on or before the 13th of December, 2011.

The governor enjoined members of the public to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the Truth Commission, “so that we can resolve most of these issues once and for all.”

Responding on behalf of the commission, Justice Aderemi promised to discharge the onerous duties without fear or favour.

The terms of reference of the Commission are as follows:

(i) inquire into reports, complaints and cases of deaths, disappearance and assassinations of persons between January, 2003 and 29th of May, 2011 with a view to determining whether or not such deaths, disappearance and assassinations involved the abuse or misuse of power by any person or persons holding public office or by any person or group of persons acting under the control or authority of such public office holder;

(ii) inquire into reports, complaints and cases of kidnapping, physical torture and inflicting bodily harm on any person or group of persons between January, 2003 and 29th of May, 2011 with a view to determining whether or not such kidnapping, physical torture and infliction of bodily harm involve the abuse or misuse of power by any person or persons holding public office or any person or persons acting under the control or authority of such public office holder;

(iii) inquire into reports, complaints, cases of wanton destruction of properties between January, 2003 and 29th of May, 2011 with a view to determining whether or not such destruction of properties involved the abuse or misuse of power by any person or persons holding public office or by any person or persons acting under the control or authority of such public office holder;

(iv) identify individuals, institutions and groups whose activities resulted in the acts referred to in (i), (ii) and (iii) herein, and the extent of their involvement;

(v) identify the victims of the acts perpetrated in (i), (ii) and (iii) above and ascertain the extent of damage to the lives and properties of such victims;

(vi) recommend appropriate measures and sanctions against the perpetrators, conspirators and masterminds of the said acts;

(vii) recommend measures and means of preventing the future occurrence of the acts mentioned in (i), (ii) and (iii) herein; and

(viii) make appropriate recommendations on any other matter which in the opinion of the commission, is relevant or incidental to the foregoing.

Senator Ibikunle Amosun also took the opportunity of the inauguration to appeal once more to the people in possession of illegal arms and ammunition to submit them to law enforcement agencies, saying “At this stage, you will not be liable; however, you will be liable when the moratorium is over. So take advantage of this and hand over your weapons!”

The governor urged the people of the state to cooperate and support the current administration so that the rebuilding process could succeed.

He implored citizens of the state to tolerate one another and eschew acrimony and violence.

“The beauty of democracy,” the governor emphasized, “is that it allows and encourages plurality of opinions within acceptable norms and laws of a country.”